Izvorišta 385: Azmari, Bixiga 70, Niholixica
In this edition of Izvorišta, we mainly listened to instrumental music. From Belgium we have Azmari with their second album "Maelström," from Brazil, there's Bixiga 70 with the album "Vapor," and the Ugandan-British-Dutch band Nihiloxica has released the album "Source Of Denial."
(you can also listen to this episode on mixcloud, just click here)
Azmari - Maelström (Sdban Records 2023.)
The Belgian music scene has produced a large number of brilliant bands in recent years, drawing inspiration from traditional music influences from around the world and combining them with funk, jazz, groove, and various other musical styles. Azmari is one of the most prominent groups, first appearing on the scene in 2019 with their EP "Ekera" and wowing everyone two years later with their fantastic "Samā'ī" album. Azmari released their new album "Maelström" on Sdban Records, and it is a great mix of ethio-jazz, dub, funk, and much more. This is one of those albums that grows with every listen, and even on the first listen, it is great.
Bixiga 70 - Vapor (Glitterbeat Records 2023.)
Brazil is one of the countries where several third-generation afrobeat bands have emerged in recent years. Probably the best known among them is Bixiga 70, who first appeared on the scene in 2011 and recently released their fifth studio album entitled "Vapor" on Glitterbeat Records. A crazy, at times somewhat wild instrumental journey of afrobeat, ethio-jazz, and South American music, all with plenty of funk and groove. That's what you can expect on this album.
Nihiloxica - Source Of Denial (Crammed Discs 2023.)
"I just have a few simple questions, and we can move right on. Have you ever engaged in any other activities which might indicate that you might be considered not to be a person of good character?" Nihiloxica recorded the album "Source Of Denial" in reaction to the fact that the group's members from Uganda cannot obtain visas for the UK and some other countries. 'The album is a direct critique of the hostile immigration and freedom of movement policies implemented in the UK, as well as around the world', as stated by the band upon the album's release. "Source of Denial" continues with the frenetic rhythm that Nihiloxica has established since the beginning of their career. Although the fusion of African percussion and heavy electronics may seem like an idea that could quickly become monotonous, this is not the case with this band. They hit hard, just as they always do.
Tracklist:
Azmari - Shhep Party
Azmari - Khasmin
Azmari - Abysall Wandering
Azmari - Crab Squad
Bixiga 70 - Malungu
Bixiga 70 - Baile Fultuante
Bixiga 70 - Mar Virado
Nihiloxica - Kudistro
Nihiloxica - Olutobazzi
Nihiloxica - Source Of Denial
Don Kapot - I Love Tempo
Keep reading/listening: